Engineering Technical Team Leader

Key Accountabilities

• Lead, manage and develop a team of technical staff, ensuring effective performance through recruitment, induction, workload planning, performance management, staff development, conversations and priorities, wellbeing support and the effective allocation of resources
• Support the Technical Operations Manager with the management of Engineering laboratories, technical facilities, infrastructure and estates within your area of responsibility, ensuring facilities remain safe, secure, compliant and operational. Lead on infrastructure and estates projects where required
• Manage the maintenance, servicing, calibration and replacement planning of laboratory equipment and instrumentation. Maintain the School's equipment asset register and support equipment lifecycle planning for financial, operational and insurance purposes
• Lead the management of health and safety within your area, ensuring compliance with University policies and statutory legislation. Develop and review risk assessments, standard operating procedures and local safety arrangements, whilst leading laboratory inspections, audits and emergency planning activities
• Manage the delivery of technical services supporting teaching, research, fieldwork, commercial testing and external engagement activities. Work closely with academic colleagues to ensure technical resources are effectively planned and aligned with teaching timetables, research programmes and operational priorities. Provide technical leadership, advice and training to staff, students and external collaborators, promoting high standards of technical practice and safe working
• Oversee the operational readiness of laboratories, facilities, materials, samples and equipment, ensuring effective support for teaching, research and commercial activities. Maintain accurate technical records and support the management and analysis of experimental data where appropriate
• Manage allocated budgets, procurement and financial records, ensuring value for money and supporting commercial activities through client liaison, costing and financial monitoring
• Work collaboratively with academic colleagues to support the strategic development of laboratory facilities, technical capability and new research and teaching initiatives, including the specification, design and implementation of new laboratory infrastructure and equipment
• Lead and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance technical services, laboratory operations, customer service and ways of working
• Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required

The Person

Knowledge, Skills And Experience

• Experience of managing or supporting a team of technical staff within an engineering lab environment
• Significant experience of managing or supporting multiple laboratories or facilities and their associated infrastructure, equipment, instrumentation and technical resources
• Strong specialist knowledge of geotechnical engineering, including laboratory testing techniques and the management, operation and maintenance of geotechnical and materials testing laboratories and associated equipment
• Up-to-date and detailed knowledge of health and safety legislation and laboratory compliance, including extensive experience of developing risk assessments, standard operating procedures and safe systems of work
• Demonstrable experience of implementing change, managing operational priorities and motivating and developing technical staff
• Excellent planning, organisational and technical problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads, delegate effectively and deliver high-quality technical services
• Experience of project management, procurement and budget management within a technical or lab environment
• Proven written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships
• Good numerical skills with the ability to analyse, interpret and present technical and management information

Attributes and Behaviour

• Demonstrates strong leadership by motivating, supporting and developing others to achieve high performance and deliver an excellent technical service
• Works collaboratively with colleagues, building positive relationships and valuing the expertise and contributions of others to achieve shared objectives
• Establishes effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, providing a professional, responsive and customer-focused service
• Plans and organises work effectively, prioritising competing demands, making efficient use of resources and ensuring activities are completed to a high standard
• Demonstrates a proactive, flexible and solution-focused approach, adapting to changing priorities while maintaining service delivery
• Embraces change and continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance technical services, laboratory operations and ways of working
• Communicates clearly and effectively, promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing and a positive team culture

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent level qualification (in a relevant Engineering subject) plus experience in a similar role or significant technical experience, demonstrating development through progressively more demanding, relevant roles
• Full UK driving license

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 29557